The Animators

Devon Copley and Alex Wong form the creative core behind the Animators, an indie outfit rooted in power pop. A native of the Bay Area, Wong spent a short period behind the drum kit for the Din Pedals, an L.A. group that put out a single album drawing from Radiohead on the Epic label during the late 1990s and then split up in 1999. Copley grew up beyond Buffalo before relocating to New York City toward the end of that decade, during which he briefly played alongside Sam Endicott—later known from the Bravery—in a short-lived project called the Pasties.

The pair launched the Animators as a duo in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg section in 2002, supplementing their performances with a changing lineup of supporting players on the road. Drawing from the melodic craft and production choices of Simon & Garfunkel along with the Postal Service, they shaped bright power-pop hooks reminiscent of the Rosenbergs and quickly earned a following across New York stages through multiple residencies and showcase appearances.

Angelhouse, an independent imprint, released their first full-length effort, Home By Now, in 2003. Within the following year two regular touring players joined as permanent members—bassist Phil Galitzine in autumn 2003 and drummer Kevin Rice in autumn 2004. The expanded quartet put out a pair of limited-run recordings: the 2004 acoustic EP The Chamber Sessions, which incorporated cello and French horn, and the 2005 concert package Live at Pianos issued as a CD/DVD set. The same foursome maintained an active touring schedule throughout 2005 while laying down a batch of more intense songs intended for future release.